The Patron Saint of our Church is St. Joseph of Arimathea.

Feast Day

31st July

Saint Joseph of Arimathea is a revered figure in Christianity, remembered as the noble disciple who courageously provided a burial place for Jesus Christ after the Crucifixion. Although only briefly mentioned in the Gospels, his actions have made him one of the most honoured saints of the early Church.

According to the Gospels, Joseph was a wealthy man from the town of Arimathea and a respected member of the Jewish council, the Sanhedrin. Despite his position, he is described as a righteous man who was secretly a follower of Jesus and who awaited the coming of the Kingdom of God. When Jesus died upon the Cross, Joseph boldly approached Pontius Pilate and requested permission to take possession of Christ's body.

After receiving Pilate's consent, Joseph lovingly wrapped the body of Jesus in a clean linen cloth and placed it in a new tomb that he had prepared for himself. This tomb, cut into the rock and located in a nearby garden, became the sacred place where Christ rested before His glorious Resurrection on the third day. By fulfilling this act of mercy and devotion, Joseph also helped fulfil the prophecy of Isaiah that the Messiah would be buried with the rich.

Christian tradition honours Joseph of Arimathea as a model of courage, faithfulness, and charity. At a moment when many of Christ's followers were fearful and in hiding, Joseph publicly identified himself with the crucified Lord. His willingness to risk his reputation and standing demonstrates the depth of his faith.

Later traditions, particularly in Britain, tell of Joseph travelling to the British Isles as a missionary and establishing one of the earliest Christian communities at Glastonbury. Some legends even associate him with the Holy Grail. While these stories are not found in Scripture and remain matters of tradition rather than historical certainty, they have greatly influenced Christian devotion and British religious heritage.

Saint Joseph of Arimathea is remembered as the faithful guardian of Christ's body and a witness to the hope of the Resurrection. His example reminds Christians that true discipleship often requires courage in difficult times and that acts of compassion can become part of God's saving work in the world.